The 2016 Mid-Atlantic Blizzard

January 20, 2024 at 02:51 PM EST

By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Mark Paquette

Image courtesy of Jill Wellington from Pixabay.com

The January 2016 blizzard was a powerful and historic winter storm that affected a large portion of the United States, particularly the Mid-Atlantic region, on January 22-24, 2016. Here are some key details about the storm:

Formation and Path:

This blizzard originated from the interaction of a northern stream and a southern stream disturbance.
The storm developed along the East Coast, bringing heavy snowfall to a vast area.

Impact on the Mid-Atlantic:

The Mid-Atlantic region, including states like Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and parts of New York, experienced severe winter weather conditions.
Major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York City were significantly affected.

Snowfall Accumulation:

The storm brought record-breaking snowfall accumulations to many areas. Washington, D.C., received over 2 feet of snow, making it one of the largest snowstorms in the city's history.
Other areas, such as Baltimore and New York City, also experienced substantial snowfall totals.

Wind and Blizzard Conditions:

Strong winds accompanied the heavy snowfall, leading to blizzard conditions in some areas.
High winds resulted in drifting snow, reduced visibility, and dangerous wind chill temperatures.

Transportation Disruptions:

The storm caused widespread transportation disruptions, with airports, roads, and public transit systems severely affected.
Thousands of flights were canceled, and many roadways were impassable due to the heavy snow and drifting.

Emergency Responses:

States and local governments declared states of emergency in preparation for the storm.
Emergency services and snow removal crews worked around the clock to clear roads and assist residents.

Power Outages:

The weight of the wet, heavy snow and high winds led to power outages in some areas.
Thousands of households were left without electricity during the peak of the storm.

Economic Impact:

The storm had a significant economic impact, with businesses closing and productivity disrupted.
The cost of snow removal and recovery efforts was substantial for affected cities and states.

Aftermath:

The storm left a lasting impact on affected areas, with cleanup efforts taking days or even weeks to fully restore normalcy.
The extreme weather event prompted discussions about the preparedness of cities for severe winter storms.

This blizzard was a notable weather event that left a lasting impression on the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly due to its record-breaking snowfall and the challenges it posed to residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Image courtesy of Jill Wellington from Pixabay.com